"I feel myself gradually becoming a rider again" - Toon Aerts nearing return to cyclocross following doping ban

After his doping suspension on the 16th of February 2022, former European Cyclocross Championship winner Toon Aerts is nearing a return to action.

"I feel myself gradually becoming a rider again," says the 30-year-old Belgian, who last rode a competitive cross on the 13th of February 2022, finishing ninth at an x20 Trophee race, in conversation with the Lambert & Albert podcast. "It's a pleasant feeling."

"I recently started with a new trainer," Aerts continues. "I work like a professional, training has once again become the most important thing in my day. I must say that it is a feeling that I had missed a little."

"I have seen Toon change in recent weeks. He has really started training seriously again, he has lost a few kilos and he is doing well," adds his brother Thijs Aerts.

Toon Aerts ban concludes on the 15th of February 2024.